ontario native literacy coalition, 2019 - onlc

© Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2019 Written by:

Darriene Martin Davis Jacobs

Singers:

Wallace Awasis Rosary Spense

Language translations by:

Wallace Awasis Rosary Spense

ISBN # 978-1-989431-03-0

Published by Turtle’s Back Publishing

A division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition

LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE

Acknowledgements

She:kon

Thank you to Heritage Canada, Aboriginals Peoples’ Program,

Aboriginal Languages Initiative component, and the Ministry of

Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of

Canada. Ce project a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du

Canada, and Ontario Government.

Indigenous language literacy and learning is an integral

component of the ONLC programs as they are the foundation of

Indigenous identity. This language song booklet is done in the

Cree language and includes three songs—a traditional song, a

children’s song and a contemporary song, all used by the Cree.

I would like to first thank our summer students (2018), Darienne

Martin and Davis Jacobs who worked together with a

collaborative effort to organize, write and design this booklet.

Thank you to our translators and singers, Rosary Spense, and

Wallace Awasis. Also thank you to Shane Powless of Thru the

RedDoor and Simon Hill for assistance with CD creation.

This learning language song book has a cd that will accompany it.

Language learning is meant to be fun, enjoy!

Nia:wen,

Michelle Davis Chief Executive Officer Ontario Native Literacy Coalition


2

© Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, 2018


3

LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC

OF OUR PEOPLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................... 4

The Forms of Music........................................................................ 6

Wally’s Cree Number Song .......................................................... 8

Calling All Parents Kakiaw oniykiykomawak ...................... 9

Makonse ......................................................................................... 10

Instruments Used ........................................................................... 11

About The Singers .......................................................................... 14

About The Authors ......................................................................... 17

References ......................................................................................... 19


4

INTRODUCTION By Darienne Martin

Many Indigenous communities have their

histories founded on the wisdom that has been passed

down for generations. Our ancestors were able to pass

down our culture, history, and spirituality through oral

communication. The remarkable yet terrifying aspect

of oral communication is the lack of written sources

one can find. Due to this lack of written resources

along with various other reasons, many communities

were not able to maintain their languages and could

not continue the cycle of passing on knowledge. Those

communities that did maintain their languages thrive

as they continue to teach the youth the importance of

giving thanks, the meaning behind our traditional

ceremonies, and continue to speak their native

language.

The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition’s goal is to

introduce the concept of indigenous language literacy

to communities across Ontario. We do this in hopes to

revitalize some of these languages so parents are able

to teach their children. We accomplish this by

attaching a CD within our books Learning Through the

Music of Our People. This CD contains a children’s,

traditional, and a contemporary song. Additionally, we

write out the lyrics in both English and the native

language. We have previously written these books


5

with the Mohawk, Cayuga, and Anishinaabe language.

This year our focus is Onondaga and Cree.

There are many reasons as to why we incorporate

songs in our books. One important reason is that there

are various ways individuals learn. Online resources

state that there are several types of learning. There’s

“visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social, and

solitary." (Learning-styles-online.com, 2018) We use

five of these styles (visual, aural, verbal, social and

solitary) so various types of learners can expand their

knowledge. Another important reason is that singing is

a healthy way to express oneself. When individuals

sing, they release emotions that have been weighing on

them. A journal article titled “A World of Music

Through Community Singing” by Nick Page states that

“Because at its core, singing is the vocalization of

emotions, the sounding of the heart.” (pg. 73). This

shows that singing releases emotions within one’s heart.

This can help individuals get through tough times or to

express their happiness. Page continues, “… For most

societies joining together in song is central to its

identity and being. And in most of these cultures, it is

not a few who sing, everyone sings. It brings the people

power: It unites them and connects them to their past,

living traditions kept alive through this verb we call

singing.” (pg. 73). This quote closely ties in with various

indigenous communities. Singing brings the community


6

together, it is a way that we give thanks to the creator

for the life around us.

In brief, these songbooks are meant to reunite

indigenous peoples with their native language. We

want to help guide those around us to rediscover their

passion for the culture and to feel connected with those

around them. We hope to inspire those around us and

help the culture to thrive once again.

FORMS OF MUSIC

Throughout the Cree culture there are many

different ways to use the language of song for different

purposes. Song is used in Ceremony, and socially at

Powwows where the purpose is to gather, dance and

have fun, or contemporary songs mixing both

mainstream song lyrics and the language of the Cree

together.

Ceremonial songs - Music is used as a way of

healing and giving thanks, among other things. These

songs, considered to be sacred, are sung at ceremonial

gatherings and preserve ancient teachings and serve

important social and spiritual functions.

Social songs - These songs are used in the social

aspect, at Powwows and gatherings big and small that

bring people together for the purpose of not only

dancing and socializing but as well as to have fun and


7

meet new people.

Children's songs - Children’s songs are used as

amusement or to calm an infant or child and may have a

learning message within the verses. Children's songs

may be traditional songs passed from one generation to

the next or they may be contemporary mainstream

songs translated into Cree languages. Many of these

songs are used in the school setting and are an excellent

recourse for learning traditional languages.

Contemporary songs – Contemporary songs are

mainstream songs translated into Cree languages and

are used to express culture through the new forms of

music such as rap, blues, rock n roll, etc. It mixes both

the language and different styles of music.

These different types of music involving the

traditional language of the Cree are all used to express

something, whether it be expressing thank you for a

certain something, expressing your language through a

new style or just having fun and dancing.


8

CHILDREN’S SONG

Wally's Cree Number Song By Wallace (Wally) Awasis

Peyak, niso,

One, two,

nisto, newo,

three, four,

niyahnan, nikwatawsik,

five, six,

tepwakohp, eynanewow,

seven, eight,

kikamitatat, mitatat.

nine, ten.


9

TRADITIONAL SONG

Calling all Parents

Kakiaw oniykiykomawak By Wallace (Wally) Awasis

Kintomkawnawaw

Calling all parents,

kapewiycitasowiyk wiyciyhiykok

you are being called upon to help.

wiyciyhiykok kicawasimsimnawak

Help, help our children.


10

CONTEMPORARY SONG

Makonse By Rosary Spense

Kinopem eh'metewet Makonse monishihu

Look at the little bear playing, he is beautiful



Metew nipiik, miichew nimess

he's playing in the water, he's eating fish





Metew nipiik, miichew nimess

he's playing in the water, he's eating fish


11

INSTRUMENTS USED

Music is the essence of ceremony and as one

anthropologist wrote “a song is the main vehicle for

communicating with one’s creator.” (Mandelbaum,

D.G, 1985)

The songs of the Cree people were to convey thanks

giving or a story to be celebrated. When combined

with a flute it was often a compassionate song of love.

The words were often intertwined with chants at

different octaves but yet melodically pleasing to the

ear often reverberated through the deep sound of

drum.

Drums

The drums vary among the Cree

nations based on location. Some

had single-headed type with skin

stretched around a circular based

with thongs tightly stretching the

face of the drum. These hand

drums were held in one hand and a drum stick in

another. Others included, two sided or “tambourine

drums,” while others included small water drums

similar to those used by the eastern woodland with the

base made from earthen pots.


12

In more recent times the drum has evolved, like so

much of the culture to include the large deep base drum

that several singers play at one time. Some historians

say these larger drums evolved after the Indigenous

people were introduced to the large drums by the old

marching bands during the days of

the settlers. This fact is still

unknown and may be a case of the

chicken or the egg. Never the less,

the large drum is the most

commonly associate with the Cree

people in modern times, but hand

drums are still in use.

Rattles

The Cree people also used a rattle made of

hide, similar to the gourd rattle but with a

thick hide. The rattle is often used alone or

used in unison with the hand drums. Again it

is used to keep a rhythmic beat for the singers

and complements their acoustic melodies.

Flutes

The wooden flute often associated with the process of

courting a women’s affection by men, it was a stand

alone instrument with soft melodic sounds that were

often very mesmerizing and beautiful. Today both men


13

and women play the flute but traditionally a man’s

instrument.

Eagle Bone Whistle

Lastly, an instrument that has significant meaning used

sparingly and must not be confused with an

instrument to add melodic or percussion enhancement

but as a symbolic intent, the eagle bone whistle. This

instrument is used sparingly and with deliberate intent

as a symbol of the strength of the product to which it

comes from. In some Cree

societies the barer of this

instrument has been

endowed with the honour

of it’s use and will not use

it in a haphazard or a

compulsive manner.


14

ABOUT THE SINGERS

Wallace Awasis My name is Wallace (Wally)

Awasis and I come from

Thunderchild First Nations. I am

Cree First Nations and very proud

of my Cree cultural heritage and

language and promote it whenever

and wherever I can.

I have had drum and dance group called Arrows

to Freedom since 1985. I love drumming, singing and

dancing at powwows, cultural ceremonies and First

Nations gatherings. I believe that culture is healing.

Prior to getting my degree in Education, I worked

for the Vancouver School Board as Youth and Family

Worker for over 10 years. I Graduated from University

of British Columbia in 2004 with my teaching degree. I

moved to Saskatchewan in 2006 to be closer to my

family. Since then I have worked as an Aboriginal

Educator for over 15 years. I taught for 5 years at

Piyesiw Awasis School in Saskatchewan and was

Principal for two years. I also taught for one year for

the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools at St. Mary’s

school and moved to Saskatoon Public Schools in 2011


15

where I have been teaching for the past seven years as a

Cultural Support Teacher for Confederation Park

Community School.

I give thanks to the Creator foremost for my life

and all the teachings, experiences and skills he has

provided me with to share with others. Some of the

teachings and learnings I share with others are:

storytelling, legends and myths, arts and crafts,

ceremonies, drumming, singing and dancing.

I respect the diversity of all Nations and I always

let people know that, the knowing and understanding

of one’s culture, language and heritage is the greatest

gift that can be shared. I strongly believe that

“knowledge isn’t good to anyone unless it is shared.”

Also, “we don’t need alcohol, drugs, or other chemical

dependencies to have a good time, to build confidence

or to feel good. You can get the same high by practicing

your own culture, songs, dances and ceremonies.

I have had the privilege of learning the culture and

ceremonies from many Elders, friends and spiritual

advisors. The two that come to mind the most are

Aldon Pompana from Sioux Valley, Manitoba and my

Grandfather Ed Thunderchild. May they forever rest in

peace!!!


16

Rosary Spense

Rosary Spence is of the

Mushkegowak Cree from the Fort

Albany First Nation on the west

coast of James Bay, ON. She is the

second eldest of four brothers and

three sisters, and has worked in social working as well

as broadened her education in marketing and business.

Once living in the remote, fly-in reserve of the Fort

Albany First Nation, she now resides in Toronto, ON.

Spence found that she always had an affinity for

both the arts and artistry early on, as she found herself

enjoying drama, choir, band and traditional bead-work.

She is now a singer and songwriter, as well as a designer

for the Manitobah Mukluks – a well-renowned

company that contracts indigenous artists to help keep

indigenous traditions alive.

RECORDING ARTIST • ACTOR

DESIGNER • WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

Website: www.rosaryspence.ca

www.dreamcatchereyewear.com

Twitter: @rosaryspence

Instagram: @rosaryspence

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/rosaryspence

www.facebook.com/designsbyrosary

Listen to Rosary Spence on @AppleMusic.

https://itun.es/ca/jnswN

http://www.rosaryspence.ca

http://www.dreamcatchereyewear.com

http://www.facebook.com/rosaryspence

http://www.facebook.com/designsbyrosary

https://itun.es/ca/jnswN


17

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Darienne Martin

Darienne was raised in Ohsweken, Ontario, more commonly known as Six Nations of The Grand River Territory. She is a member of the Tuscarora Nation and Snipe Clan. In previous years, she has attended Jamieson Elementary, JC Hill and McKinnon Park Secondary School where she received her high school diploma in 2017. She is currently enrolled at the University of Western Ontario where she hopes to achieve her Bachelor of Arts for English. Her dream is to become a writer. She is known for winning the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award with her poetry in 2015, placing in the top ten for the Laurier Stedman Prize in 2018 and for playing goaltender for the Brantford Ice Cats for several years.


18

Davis Jacobs

Davis is an Oneida, Turtle Clan of the Six Nations Grand River Territory. He is 20 years old, a graduate of Hagersville Secondary High School and is a student at St. Lawrence College. Davis has been around the Mohawk language throughout his life and attended Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo Private School, a Mohawk/Cayuga language immersion school, from grades JK to 8.


19

References

Gray, Richard. “Signing can help when learning a for-

eign language.” The Telegraph. 18 July 2013, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10188533/Singing-can-help-when-learning-a-foreign-language.html. Accessed 3 Aug. 2017.

Henriksson-Macaulay, Liisa. “Are musicians better

language learners?” The Guardian. 27 Fe. 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/27/musicians-better-language-learners. Ac-cessed 11 Aug. 2017.

Page, Nick. “A WORLD OF MUSIC THROUGH

COMMUNITY SINGING.” The Choral Journal, vol. 55, no. 2, 2014, pp. 73–75. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43917041.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10188533/Singing-can-help-when-learning-a-foreign-language.html




https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/27/musicians-better-language-learners.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/27/musicians-better-language-learners.


20

Graphic Designs by Davis Jacobs

This workbook is intended to be used with the

accompanying cd.

ontario native literacy coalition, 2019 - onlc

Documents